Second Lowell High teacher put on paid leave

LOWELL -- For the second time in less than a week, a Lowell High School teacher is under investigation for inappropriate conduct involving a student.

Science teacher Scott Hughes was investigated for similar misconduct earlier this year, according to people briefed on the situation, but no wrongdoing was found. He is currently on paid administrative leave pending a School Department investigation.

Hughes' salary for the 2017-2018 school year is $81,265.

It is not yet clear what prompted the most recent investigation or whether it involved the same student.

Superintendent of Schools Salah Khelfaoui and Deputy Superintendent of Schools for Student Support Services Jeannine Durkin did not immediately return requests for comment.

"The individual has been put on administrative leave, which is our policy pending an investigation," School Committee member Jackie Doherty said. Doherty deferred further comment to the school administration.

Social studies teacher Bryan Sheckman resigned Tuesday after it was allegedly discovered that he sent inappropriate love letters to a former Lowell Public Schools student.

Sheckman's resignation prompted students at the high school to begin raising questions about the allegations against Hughes, according to people briefed on the investigation.

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